Chapter 210: It’s over!

Just then, swift footsteps could be heard going towards the Royal Study. A palace attendant instructed, “Go and report to the Emperor that Princess Consort Yu has passed away!”

Princess Consort Yu had caught a cold and had been bedridden since the previous terrible incident. She had endured the illness for several months, but she did not manage to survive past the spring.

Although Xiao Yan was stripped of the title of Prince, Princess Consort Yu was still considered a royal, and her death was a major event.

Yu Long watched the servants hurrying off to make a report. She squinted her eyes and quickly walked out of the palace.

Perhaps, she still had the last shot at fighting and making something for herself and Lord Yun Nan Manor!

Outside the palace, Yu Long ordered people to bring her to Prince Yu Manor immediately.

Prince Yu Manor was in a state of panic due to Princess Consort Yu’s death. As soon as Yu Long entered, she heard Prince Yu, Xiao Yan, crying and wailing sorrowfully. It did not seem like he was faking it.

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Princess Consort Yu would often beat and scold Xiao Yan. She did not respect him as her husband, and had affairs with more than one man outside, making him the joke of the entire Shengjing City and even within the royal family. Even so, Xiao Yan still regarded her as a treasure. Seeing how heartbroken he was after her death, people wondered whether he was dumb or stupid.

Why were all the hopeless lovers from the royal family?

He was hopelessly infatuated to an inhuman person, and ultimately did not have a good ending!

Yu Long sneered and stepped in.

An hour later, Yu Long walked out of Prince Yu Manor, her heart still riddled with anxiety. “Where is the Eldest Young Master of the Ji Manor now?” she suddenly asked.

The people around her lowered their heads and answered, “Eldest Young Master Ji said that he was going to Jingzhou, but his subordinates found out that he seems to be heading in the direction of Chongzhou City.”

Yu Long frowned, pondered for a moment, and said, “Send a message to Eldest Young Master Ji immediately. Just tell him that Lord Yun Nan Manor has fallen, and I was told to retreat to Prince Manor. Moreover, the Emperor is forcing Su Jiu to stay in the palace.”

“Yes, I will get to it now!”

The servant retreated silently and disappeared after a while.

Over at the other end, Hu Dapao and Xia Huan returned and reported the situation in Diannan City.

Hu Dapao brought 200,000 troops with him and recovered Diannan City from the traitors, with almost no casualties in his troops. At that moment, deputy general Li Bin was stationed in Diannan City, waiting for the imperial court to send officials to take over from them.

Diannan City had been secured!

Xiao Lie had obtained the information of Hu Dapao’s victory in Diannan City in advance. After hearing the details from Hu Dapao himself, he was even more elated. After commending him, he immediately asked the palace attendant to draw up an imperial decree:

The Diannan main general, Liu Feng, had attempted to stage a rebellion. Lord Yun Nan Manor did not investigate it and was consequently stripped of their title as Lord of a vassal state. The imperial court would retract all of their privileges as well as their rights to govern Diannan City from Lord Yun Nan Manor immediately.

His son, Xia Huan, was active in suppressing the rebellion, and would thus inherit the title from Xia Cang as the Lord of Yun Nan. However, he would neither possess the territory nor an army.

The Crown Princess Consort, Xia Yu Long, swindled the Emperor’s heir and had evil schemes. She was to be sent back to Prince Manor, stripped of her title as Consort Princess, and be demoted to an ordinary citizen.

Next, Hu Dapao would be heavily rewarded.

The imperial decree was drafted. It would be announced to everyone at the imperial court the next day!

Xia Huan understood that no matter if it was Su Jiu or Xiao Lie, they did not massacre the entire Lord Yun Nan Manor for his sake. They held the crime of rebellion over Liu Feng’s head, and gave Xia Cang a lighter sentence without deeper investigation!

That was to let Lord Yun Nan have a lifeline, as well as to leave some dignity for him.

Xia Huan leaned over and bowed down to express his gratitude.

After Hu Dapao retreated, Xiao Lie requested Xia Huan to stay behind to speak to him alone.

“Crown Prince Xia, it’s not that I’m not taking into account our past relationship, but Lord Yun Nan’s ambitions were abundantly clear. Yu Long married into the royal family, so he most definitely had other intentions in mind!” Xiao Lie said. He was dressed in a purple embroidered brocade, looking extremely dignified.

Xia Huan knelt on one knee and said softly, “Yes, I understand!”

“This time, I gave Lord Yun Nan a lifeline. I will no longer pursue Lord Yun Nan’s secret collusion with the six tribes of Northern Xinjiang to scheme traitorous and dishonorable matters. When you return home, tell your father that I’ve stripped away his title but left his nobility intact, which allows him to spend the rest of his days in Shengjing City. It’s the best I can do to help him, so get him to see some sense and stop being obstinate!”

“Yes!”

“I know that everything you do is for Ah Jiu, so I will not treat you unfairly!”

Xia Huan slowly raised his head. “It is my duty to serve Boss. There is no need for the Emperor to express gratitude!”

Xiao Lie’s thin lips paled, and his eyes dimmed. “Crown Prince Xia, we are similar in some ways, but you are luckier than me. After all, you can stay with her as a close friend. I hope you can always stand beside her and guard her silently like this.”

Xia Huan lowered his head and said nothing.

“Okay, Crown Prince Xia, go back!”

“Alright, I shall retreat!”

When he came out of the palace, Hu Dapao was still waiting for him at the door. He looked back at him seriously. “What did the Emperor talk to you about in private?”

Xia Huan merely shook his head expressionlessly.

“Where are you going?” Hu Dapao asked.

“Back to Prince Manor!” Xia Huan replied.

“I don’t think you should go back today!” Hu Dapao said worriedly.

Lord Yun Nan must have already received the news by then. Hu Dapao did not know how Lord Yun Nan would settle accounts with Xia Huan if he returned.

“No. When it comes to some things, I have to face them directly. I can’t just escape from them!” Xia Huan turned around and smiled. “Relax, he won’t kill me!”

Probably not! But who knew? In his heart, this son of his was not necessarily more important than Diannan City!

The sun was setting, and rays of light fell on the glazed tiles of the palace gate. It also illuminated the man’s handsome face, reflecting a golden hue. The man’s forehead was in dire straits, his features were rigid, and his previous childishness was gone.

As the years passed, the little lackey who would jump up and down behind Su Jiu was gone, and would never come back.

Hu Dapao’s heart suddenly felt sour as he nodded slowly.

“Okay, take care of yourself!”

“Hurry back home and see your wife!” Xia Huan chuckled, turned around, and galloped away on his horse.

It was already evening when Xia Huan returned to the manor. Normally at this time, the servants would be busy preparing dinner, walking in and out of the place, and the whole place would be very lively. On that day, however, the servants walked hastily, and everyone lowered their heads. The whole atmosphere was very oppressive, enshrouded in deafening silence.

Xia Huan entered the inner courtyard, and the servants waiting there said to him softly, “Crown Prince, His Highness wants to meet you in the study room immediately!”

Xia Huan nodded lightly and walked towards the study room.

After pushing the door open and stepping in, he noticed Xia Cang standing with his hands behind his back, looking out of the window.

The twilight entered through the window, dying his hair white, and his complexion was ashen. His eyes had lost the glimmer from the yesteryears, and his body was becoming frail. At that moment, he seemed to have aged ten years older.

The two of them said nothing, Instead, they merely stood there for a long time until nighttime slowly approached, causing the room to eventually darken.

The figure standing in front of the window suddenly turned and pressed his hand on the desk, and the bookshelf behind him slowly shifted backward.

Behind the bookshelf was a small, dark room set up as an ancestral hall, enshrining the ancestors from Lord Yun Nan Manor.

Xia Cang walked in slowly. “Come in with me!” His voice was hoarse.

Xia Huan followed after him.

“Kneel!” Xia Cang said coldly as he looked at the ancestral tablets with his hands behind his back.

Saying nothing, Xia Huan bent both of his knees and kneeled on the ground.

“Rebellious son Xia Huan has exterminated his own family and committed disgraceful and outrageous acts. This unfilial Xia Cang shall beat him to death today in the presence of the ancestors to appease the ancestor spirits!”

After Xia Cang finished speaking, he turned to Xia Huan.

“Do you have anything to say?”

“I have nothing to say!”

“Good!” Xia Cang replied in a sad voice and picked up a thick leather whip at the side. He slowly turned back, raised his hand with the whip, and cracked it towards Xia Huan’s body.

Slap!

There was a loud noise, which reverberated like thunder.

The clothes on Xia Huan’s back were immediately torn apart. The whip sliced deeply into his flesh, causing blood to gush out of his wounds. His body was trembling, but he kept his back straight and remained silent.

Slap!

Slap!

Xia Cang used a lot of force to whip Xia Huan while maintaining a straight face.

In the dark and dead silence, only the muffled sounds of the whip ripping through his flesh could be heard; they were heart-stirring and made one’s hair stand on end. The smell of blood gradually permeated in the darkroom and diffused into the night.

Xia Huan kept up his straight back, despite his whole body being covered in blood and marred by whip marks. However, he gritted his teeth and did not let out a single sound, did not ask for mercy, and did not try to defend himself!

“Huan’er!”

With a heart-wrenching cry, Lady Yun Nan came in and threw herself on Xia Huan. “Huan’er!”

Hack! Xia Huan spat out blood and fell to the side.

While hugging him, Lady Yun Nan glanced at his bloodied back, and suddenly burst into tears. She then raised her head and glared at Xia Cang with hatred. “You’ve almost killed him before, and now you want him to die again? Will you only be satisfied after you cut away all blood relations as well as the kinship between father and son?”

Panting, Xia Cang pointed at Xia Huan with the leather whip and howled, “This traitorous son has colluded with the imperial court and ruined Lord Yun Nan Manor! I will kill him today!”

“I gave birth to Huan’er! You might as well kill us all together!” Lady Yun Nan hugged Xia Huan tightly and cried.

“Get away from him now!” Xia Cang shouted with bloodshot eyes.

“I will not! You lost Huan’er back then, and I only found him again after 12 years. Even if I die, I won’t leave my son again! The territories and titles may be more important to you, but for me, Huan’er and Yu Long are the most important! You’ve already destroyed Yu Long. Do you want to destroy my son now?” Lady Yun Nan burst into tears and bemoaned.

“That was the foundation of Lord Yun Nan Manor, which had been built up for hundreds of years!” Xia Cang bellowed.

“The imperial court already had the intention of withdrawing your title, but you insisted on going against the imperial court. If we follow your logic, Diannan City and the imperial court will become enemies, war will break out, and the people of Diannan City will have no peace! You said you’re doing this for Diannan City and the people living in it, but all you’re doing is for your own ambition and selfishness!”

Xia Cang’s pupils shook. He pointed at Lady Yun Nan and accused her, “Shut up! How can you slander me like this just to protect this traitorous son?”

“Did I say anything wrong? You want Yu Long to marry the Emperor, but you know that the Emperor doesn’t love Yu Long at all. Have you ever spared a thought for her? Have you ever thought about her future? The Emperor has even begun to hate Yu Long, but you still insisted on having things your way! Now you want to vent your anger on Huan’er, but in my opinion, Huan’er has saved Lord Yun Nan Manor!” Lady Yun Nan looked up coldly at Xia Cang. “Today, I will protect Huan’er! If you want to hurt him, you have to do it over my dead body!”

“You said that I harmed Long’er! She is my daughter, how could I harm her?!” Xia Cang replied, his voice trembling.

“Other people may not know, but you and I have been married for decades. How can I not understand you? You made Yu Long marry into the royal family. In reality, it was only to prevent the court from withdrawing your title, isn’t it? Now that your plan has backfired, you harmed Yu Long in the process, but you still refuse to wake up your idea! Do you honestly want the whole Lord Yun Nan Manor to be ruined, so that you’ll finally be satisfied?”

Xia Cang’s face slightly changed. His body was trembling, and the whip in his hand seemed to weigh a ton. With a thud, he collapsed to the ground and turned to kneel at the ancestral tablets. In that instant, tears began to stream down his face.

When Lady Yun Nan saw her husband in this manner, she was heartbroken. “The Emperor has already withdrawn your title and killed Liu Feng, but he did not arrest us. He is already doing us a favor. Our family being together is more important than anything else!”

“Bring Huan’er out, and let me reflect on this by myself!”

Lady Yun Nan wiped her tears and said no more. She supported Xia Huan up and walked away slowly.

Xia Huan looked back at the hunched figure in front of the incense burner table, his face pale. The hatred in his heart suddenly dissipated without a trace.

Just then, he recalled that when he was very young, a tall and mighty man carried him onto a horse and solemnly said, “Huan’er, you will be the master of this land in the future. You must love the people here and protect every inch of this land!”

However, when he fell off the Blood Cliff and was picked up by Su Jiu, his life was no longer the life of Xia Huan.

Even if he returned to Lord Yun Nan Manor, he could no longer be the old Xia Huan.

He had completely transformed into Chang Huan.

Even if he was killed on this day, he would not regret everything that he had done!

They were for the people and things that he had chosen to protect. His father wanted to protect Lord Yun Nan Manor, while he wanted to protect Su Jiu!

No one was greater than anyone else. Was a person worth less than some land?

No! In his heart, Su Jiu was everything to him!

On April 21st, the weather was gloomy. As dawn was breaking, the eastern sky was suffused with white.

The morning mist had not scattered yet, and it was hazy and cold.

Xiao Lie came out from Yangxin Hall, surrounded by palace attendants as he walked towards Zhenggan Hall.

The man was dressed in a dragon robe, looking very distinguished and elegant. He had the innate demeanor of an Emperor, and his pace was neither slow nor hasty.

As they were passing through Yonghe Hall, a tall and large man suddenly raised his sword towards him within the mist. “Xiao Lie, you hurt my wife! I’m going to kill you!” he screamed.

The man was fat, but he had practiced martial arts before. In a state of anger, he immediately charged to the front at an incredible speed, and the long sword in his hand lunged towards Xiao Lie!

The palace attendants behind were shocked and quickly rushed towards him.

“Prince Yu! Your Royal Highness Prince Yu!”

Dumbfounded, the palace attendants surrounding Xiao Lie yelled. “Protect the Emperor! Protect the Emperor!”

“Prince Yu wants to assassinate the Emperor!”

“Hurry up and protect the Emperor!”

Their state of panic and confusion broke the stillness of the early morning. The morning mist scattered, only to reveal Prince Yu, Xiao Yan’s grieved and miserable eyes. They were brimming with madness and hatred.

Xiao Yan kicked a palace attendant in front of Xiao Lie away, and thrust his sword forward with significant force!

However, Xiao Lie’s pair of dark eyes were composed as he took a step back. Just then, amid the crossfire, a figure dashed over with lightning speed and shielded Xiao Lie from the front. With an ominous “Psh” sound, the long sword pierced through the person’s back and penetrated out from their chest.

The bloody sword tip stopped at Xiao Lie’s chest, and beads of blood slowly rolled and dropped onto his bright yellow robe.

Xiao Yan froze for a moment and was about to draw out his sword to stab him again. However, the forbidden army had already surrounded him and immediately took him down.

“Xiao Lie, you shall pay for my wife’s life!”

“That throne is mine! I will kill you!”

“I am the eldest legitimate son! You deceived your father, the Emperor! You deserve to die!”

Xiao Yan struggled vigorously, albeit madly, and scolded Xiao Lie for being vicious.

The forbidden army quickly cupped his mouth, pressed him to the ground, and bound his hands and feet.

Yu Long collapsed on Xiao Lie’s body. Blood gushed out of her chest, staining both of their clothes red.

Xiao Lie held her shoulders, his eyes dim. “Yu Long, why did you do this?”

Yu Long looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “…I’m willing to do anything for the Emperor!”

“You did this for me?” Xiao Lie’s gaze was gentle.

“It’s for the Emperor and Lord Yun Nan Manor. Use my life in exchange for Lord Yun Nan Manor. Will that appease you? I can die, and I can kneel and beg Su Jiu for forgiveness. I’m only asking the Emperor not to withdraw the title of Lord of the vassal state!”

The palace attendants stood around cautiously. Without the Emperor’s order, they were at a loss.

Xiao Lie looked at her faintly, and his tone was as cool as the morning mist. “Yu Long, you have pushed yourself and Lord Yun Nan Manor beyond redemption!”

“I’m wrong! I know I’m in the wrong!” Yu Long’s tears fell from her eyes, which were brimming with sadness and regret. “I should not have tried to kill Su Jiu, and I should not have made her an enemy. Now I’m using my life to make up for the mistakes I made. I’m only asking the Emperor to stop hating me on account of our past relationship!”

“What kind of past relationship do we have?” Xiao Lie asked.

“I know you still think that I married you for the sake of Lord Yun Man Manor, but you should know that I genuinely like you! I saw you at the palace banquet that day when I entered Shengjing City, and I grew fond of you! I was jealous of Su Jiu, I hated that Lan Zhihui got into your good books, and I tried and did everything because I love you!” Yu Long slightly lowered her head, leaning weakly on the man’s shoulder as her voice gradually weakened. “Xiao Lie, regardless of how cold you are towards me and how you lie to me, I still can’t stop myself from liking you. If I could die in your arms today, I would be satisfied! I’m just begging you to let my father go! Let Lord Yun Nan Manor go!”

The man’s appearance and demeanor were cold and clear, just like the cooling morning mist.

“Yu Long, for you to say these words, I can see that you’ve truly reached the end of the road! Yes, you should not have schemed against me, you should not have done despicable acts to fulfill your ambition, and you should not have touched Ah Jiu! Ah Jiu is my soft spot, and no one can touch her! When you tried to kill Ah Jiu, you deliberately set up a ruse of self-injury. Did you seriously think that I believed you? No, I hated you at that time, and I wished I could stab you at once. However, I knew it wasn’t the right time yet. I wanted you to watch the most important things to you crumble bit by bit, and see you become powerless. I wanted to let you experience that kind of despair because you truly deserve to die!”

Yu Long’s body trembled slightly, her eyes riddled with despair.

He hated her to this extent!

“Yu Long!” Xiao Lie supported her shoulders, while his hand slowly moved down and held the sharp tip of the sword that had pierced through her body. “You can only use the ruse of self-injury once, you know?” he muttered.

As soon as he said that, he pulled the sword downward.

Yu Long’s eyes abruptly widened as she stared at the man in despair, shocked and full of pain.

“When you went to see Xiao Yan yesterday, I already knew what you were going to do. I was simply waiting for you here! I have to say that you are accurate in your calculations, and this sword pierced you about three inches above your heart. Not only can that save your life, but you can also tell me how much you love me, make me feel grateful for your life-saving act, and feel moved by your true emotions, right?”

The blood in Yu Long’s mouth spurted out, and her bloodshot eyes stared at Xiao Lie. She was speechless.

“Since you want to pay with your life for Su Jiu, I shall fulfill that for you. You deserve to die!” The man’s eyes were cold as he shoved the woman away.

At that instant, Yu Long rolled down the steps and fell to the ground, her mouth spouting out blood profusely.

“Even your pretentious feelings made me feel sick!”

Xiao Yan had already been captured, and the palace attendants stood around in silence. They hung their heads down, not daring to let out a single sound.

In the thick fog, an upright figure slowly emerged from it. Xiao Lie looked up, and his bloodthirsty eyes suddenly became gentle.

Su Jiu walked to Yu Long and squatted down. As she stretched out her exquisite fingers and wiped away the blood at the corner of her lips, she said softly,

“Yu Long, it’s all over!”

The color on Yu Long’s face faded into a lifeless grey. She slightly opened her eyes, looked up at Su Jiu, and gasped. “Today, I can finally say without apprehension that… I hate you so much, Su Jiu!”

Without knowing how it all started, she sincerely hated this woman!

She knew that she was a mountain bandit, and even her true identity was simply the daughter of a businessman. How could she get so many people to protect her and lay down their lives for her? Even Huan’er regarded her as more important than his own flesh and blood. For her sake, he had even refused to recognize his ancestry!

Huan’er grew up with Su Jiu and relied on her, so perhaps it was justified. However, what about Xiao Lie?

He had a distinguished bloodline, so why would he love a civilian woman with all his heart? It was clear that she was more compatible with him!

Regardless of literature or martial arts, she did not lose to other women and was loved by the people in Diannan City. However, ever since she arrived in Shengjing City, she had been oppressed by this woman who was a mere nothing!

She had done so much, but she still could not get into Xiao Lie’s good books.

On the other hand, Su Jiu did not have to do anything, yet all the men fell head over heels for her!

She could no longer take it as she lay down on the ground.

She hated Su Jiu, though it was more of jealousy. She was jealous that she had stolen Xiao Lie’s heart. She was also jealous of her carefree life. She did not feel burdened by her identity, and nothing shackled her. She could act wilfully and recklessly, and someone would always spoil her unconditionally.

That was all she wanted, but she would never get it. As a result, she tried everything she could to bring down Su Jiu and destroy everything she had!

But until now, she still did not understand. Why did she lose?

Su Jiu’s eyes were clear, and she did not have a victorious demeanor. She only calmly looked at Yu Long and said, “Yu Long, we were at each other’s throats for such a long time that my hatred for you has long faded. However, it seems that between us, there must be an ending where only one of us can win!”

Yu Long’s lips curled into a smile. it seemed that she wanted to laugh but did not have the strength to do so.

“Su… Jiu… Even though I’ve lost, that does not mean… you’ll win!”

Su Jiu raised her eyebrows and said, “I don’t need to win, I just want to avenge myself. Like I said before, I’m someone who will certainly seek revenge for myself!”

Tears rolled down from Yu Long’s eyes. It was glistening in a different kind of light, like the ending spark in the final moments of one’s life.

“Su Jiu, do you love Xiao Lie? You have never genuinely loved him. Although I’m scheming and manipulative, I love him more than you do! The reason why you hate me is that I used Huan’er. My desire to kill you and take Xiao Lie away from you doesn’t matter to you. In your heart, Huan’er is more important than Xiao Lie. Su Jiu, you are not worthy of Xiao Lie’s affections!”

“Shut up!” Xiao Lie suddenly came over, his expression gloomy. He pulled Su Jiu away and pulled the sword out of Yu Long’s chest.

Fresh blood spurted out, and Yu Long, who was already at her final moments, turned even paler. Her delirious eyes looked at Xiao Lie faintly, as if she had a thousand words to say, but she could no longer articulate them.

Her eyes gradually dimmed. She weakly fell to the ground on her back, looked at the blue sky above her head, and seemed to return to Diannan City in a flash.

Under Mount Luoyun, her father was teaching her how to ride a horse as well as archery. He told her that Huan’er was no longer around and that she was the only heir of Lord Yun Nan Manor. Because of that, she had to bear all the responsibilities and protect Lord Yun Nan Manor.

Father, Long’er did not live up to your expectations.

But Long’er had tried her very best!

She genuinely tried her best!

The woman slowly closed her eyes, but she had a subtle smile on her lips as if she had returned to somewhere she wanted to go. There were no more shackles and no more hatred. She was now the most ordinary woman.

Su Jiu looked at Yu Long’s corpse and let out a heavy sigh as she looked up.

“Xiao Lie, I shall leave the rest to you!” Su Jiu said.

Everything was finally over, and she should go and find her husband, for he had been waiting for her for such a long time!

“Ah Jiu!” Xiao Lie held her wrist and gazed at her deeply. “Stay with me! I’ve always kept the queen’s position for you. I promise you that I won’t pay attention to other women or marry other concubines. I only want you!”

However, Su Jiu forcefully retracted her hand, took a step back, and looked at him calmly.

“Xiao Lie, Yu Long is right about one thing. I don’t have any romantic feelings for you. When I was with you back then, I thought I could try and make myself like you, but after experiencing so much, I came to understand that the person I love is Ji Yuxian, and it has always been him. I’m going to find him now. You will fulfill your role as the Emperor, but we will still be friends!”

Xiao Lie’s eyes were wrought with pain. “Ah Jiu, what if there was no Xia Yu Long? You’ve promised me that you would marry me and be my concubine! Was everything fake?”

Without Xia Yu Long…

Su Jiu shook her head. She did not know whether she would marry Xiao Lie or not, but now that she mulled over it, the feeling was completely different when she was spending time with Ji Yuxian as compared to Xiao Lie.

With Ji Yuxian, her heart would pound quickly with joy. She concluded that it was love!

This was the will of heaven, that they would all return to where they belonged.

Smiling, Su Jiu turned around and walked out of the palace.

She could not wait to see him anymore!

“Ah Jiu!”

Behind her came a heart-wrenching cry from the man, which shook people’s hearts to the core.

Su Jiu did not turn around. Instead, she walked faster and faster, passing through the palace walls and eagerly heading for the outside.

“Where are we heading for?” Er Mao asked.

Su Jiu pondered for a moment and said, “Go back to the Su Manor first!”

“Yes!” With that, Er Mao started to drive away.

When Su Jiu reached home, she quickly went into the Eldest Mistress’s room. She stepped forward and threw herself into her arms. “Mother, Xia Yu Long is dead!” she said happily.

The Eldest Mistress hugged her while slowly nodding her head. “Finally, this day has arrived!”

“Yes! Xiao Lie got what he wanted, and I got my revenge!” Su Jiu smiled as she looked up. “Mother, I’m going to stay in the Ji Manor.”

“Alright, go then. You are Ji Yuxian’s wife, and it’s time to go back!” The Eldest Mistress replied with tears in her eyes, stroking her hair near her temple with reluctance.

“I’ll come back to visit Mother often! If you miss me, you can also visit the Ji Manor at any time!”

“Alright!” The Eldest Mistress nodded with a chuckle.

“I’ll go and pack up,” Su Jiu said. She hugged the Eldest Mistress and buried her head in her arms coquettishly.

After packing up her belongings, Su Jiu rode the horse carriage to the Ji Manor.

Before Ji Yuxian returned, Su Jiu arranged the books she had brought in the study room and planned to wait for him here.

Ji Yuxian was not in, and Ji Ze walked by the side door. The entire Ji Manor seemed to have no master. When it was dark, the pavilion in the big manor was quiet.

At night, Su Jiu read a book in the study room and went to bed after that.

She lay on the bed after bathing. Although the man was not there, she could smell him everywhere.

The fresh lotus fragrance engulfed Su Jiu’s nose as her eyes slowly closed with a peace of mind.

The next morning, Su Jiu went to the study room to read after having breakfast, just like back then when she was the Young Mistress of the Ji Manor.

The imperial court had announced the royal decree regarding the withdrawal of the Lord of the vassal state. Prince Yu was imprisoned due to a murder charge. The Crown Princess Consort was killed by Prince Yu, and her body was returned to Lord Yun Nan Manor.

It was rumored that when Xia Cang saw Yu Long’s body, he was overwhelmed and fainted on the spot.

Su Jiu did not care about any of those and waited patiently for her husband to return.

She was alone in the study room, and the room was exceptionally quiet. Old Housekeeper Yu brought in tea and then retreated silently.

A little preoccupied, Su Jiu got up and sat on Ji Yuxian’s chair, looking through the things he usually wrote.

The more she looked at them, the more she liked it. Her strokes had improved, but compared with Ji Yuxian’s, she was still miles away.

There were several ancient paintings in the painting tank next to her, one of which was very uniquely sealed. Su Jiu knew that it must be the one that Ji Yuxian had painted specially for her.

However, when she got up to take it, something dropped behind the painting tank.

Su Jiu leaned over and looked at it. It seemed to be the silk cloud-patterned handkerchief that Ji Yuxian would often use.

The painting tank was very close to the couch. He must have accidentally dropped it there.

Su Jiu went to pick it up. As she was about to put it on the desk, her hand that was holding the silk handkerchief suddenly shook.

The white silk cloud-patterned handkerchief was stained with some blood, and after a long time, it had turned dark red. Su Jiu recognized with one glance that it was indeed blood.

This was Ji Yuxian’s handkerchief, and it had blood on it.

Su Jiu’s face suddenly turned white, and there was a moment of panic in her heart. She hurriedly walked out while holding the handkerchief.

Her face was anxious as she ran at full speed. The servants thought that something had happened, and they all stopped in their tracks, feeling nervous.

Su Jiu went straight into Doctor Gu’s courtyard and saw that he was loosening the soil for his herbs there. She strode forward and asked him with a trembling voice,

“Is the poison in Ji Yuxian’s body acting up? Where did he go?”

Doctor Gu was squatting on the ground, holding a small hoe in his hand. He lifted and slightly tilted his head. He then noticed the handkerchief in Su Jiu’s hand and slowly stood up.

“What’s wrong with him?” Su Jiu grabbed Doctor Gu’s arm.

“That hurts!” Doctor Gu slapped her hand and brushed the dust off his body. He turned back and sat on his chair. “He doesn’t want you to know, so just wait a while longer. He’ll reach Shengjing City in about two days!” he said as he squinted his eyes at her.

“Is the Half Moon Devourer acting up again?” Su Jiu’s heart sank depressingly. “The reason he’s traveling this time is not for business, right?”

“Yes, Jin Feng had some leads about the Half Moon Devourer’s antidote near Chongxi Mountain, so Ji Yuxian went to take a look by himself!” Old Gu answered, no longer able to conceal the truth.

Su Jiu’s eyelashes fluttered. She immediately turned around and walked outside.

“Little girl, where are you going?” Doctor Gu bellowed and got up.

Su Jiu headed out of the Ji Manor without looking back. She mounted a horse and rode out of the city.

She was going to find him!

She was panicking in her heart. She felt as if she would never see him again if she did not go and find him!

Su Jiu swallowed the saliva in her throat and accelerated forward.

Meanwhile, Ji Yuxian stood outside a bamboo house along the slope of Chongxi Mountain and looked around.

The surrounding bamboos were towering, quiet, and elegant. A clear river passed by the bamboo house, tranquil and glistening. Herbs were being planted in the front and back of the house, and their fragrance was permeating and refreshing.

Inside the bamboo house, the pharmacy was on the left, while the tea room was on the right.

The tea set in the tea room was neatly arranged. A fine gauze was pinned up, and the pure white praying cushion was clean and spotless. There was a porcelain bottle on the bamboo table, and the peach blossoms it was holding had already dried up.

The medicinal smell in the air had a faint fragrance, and the surroundings were suffused with a kind of otherworldly aura. It did not seem like the place where a male would live.

None of the three bamboo houses had people in them.

Jin Feng walked in and said respectfully, “Young Master, I have already inquired. The owner of the house left Chongxi many days ago.”

“Where did he go?” Ji Yuxian asked.

“I’m still investigating, but according to the villagers, the homeowner often travels, but he will come back here after some time. He should be back in about two days!” Jin Feng said, and then asked, “Should we continue to wait here?”

The homeowner’s whereabouts were uncertain. If he came back, he might leave again soon. It was safest to wait there.

“Then, we shall wait for two days!”

After Ji Yuxian said those words, a guard suddenly hurried up the mountain and whispered in Jin Feng’s ear.

Jin Feng frowned. Not daring to hide anything, he recounted the situation in Shengjing City.

Seeing Ji Yuxian’s crestfallen face, Jin Feng hurriedly reassured him, “The news may not be accurate. How can the Young Mistress’s temperament be manipulated by someone else? Even if the Emperor wants her to stay, it’s impossible to keep her!”

Ji Yuxian’s eyes became dimmer and dimmer. After a moment of contemplation, he strode out.

“Leave some people to stay watch here, I will return to Shengjing City immediately!”

“Young Master, I feel that something is a bit strange. Let me investigate it more thoroughly, it won’t be too late to return to Shengjing City after that!”

“No, let’s go back now!” Ji Yuxian insisted coolly.

He knew that things were strange, but he could not feel calm without seeing Su Jiu.

The fall of Lord Yun Nan Manor was due to the collusion between Su Jiu and Xiao Lie. Su Jiu no longer bore a grudge towards Xiao Lie for lying to her back then.

It was no longer possible for Yu Long to become the queen, and no one could predict what Xiao Lie would do to Su Jiu.

Therefore, he must go back!

If she voluntarily stayed in the palace, he would give in, but if she did not want to, no one would be able to lay a finger on her even if he had to activate the whole Ji Manor!

Seeing that Ji Yuxian was so resolute, Jin Feng agreed to leave several people behind. After repeated warnings, he and Ji Yuxian quickly mounted their horses and rushed back to Shengjing City.

For one day and one night, Su Jiu rode across Yuhu Mountain and stopped at Jinghua Stream. The previously narrow stream had turned into a large river, submerging the trees on both sides of the bank. The water was turbulent as it gushed downwards.

It was a misty morning, and Su Jiu did not sleep for a whole night. Her hair was dyed white by the frost, and her delicate face seemed to be sculpted by the snow.

She walked along the riverbank and found that the bridge had already been submerged. She could not find it anymore.

In a moment of panic, she saw a wooden boat stop behind a willow tree, and it seemed like it was used to ferry people across. Su Jiu immediately walked towards it.

There was a grass hut that seemed hastily built behind the boat. At this time, it was not dawn yet, and the people in the grass hut were still sleeping.

“Brother?” Su Jiu shouted.

The people in the shack woke up from her voice. They came out rubbing their eyes and asked, “What’s the matter?”

“I’m in a hurry to cross the river. Can Brother sail the boat now?” Su Jiu asked anxiously.

“We’re not crossing the river today. Look at how the water is gushing! There must be a mountain flash flood coming soon. Go back!” The boatman waved his hand and returned to the grass hut to sleep.

“Brother!” Su Jiu said anxiously, “I’m in a hurry, and I have to cross the river today! I can give you ten times the amount of silver!”

“I won’t do it even if you give me silver! The mountain flash flood will get us all killed!” the boatman said with a cold expression.